Panic and anxiety attacks are unpleasant. For some people, though, they subconsciously offer a way of dealing with other issues. Think about whether this applies to you. Panic attacks may be a way out of a situation which you don't like, such as shopping chores or a job you loathe.

They can provide you with a good excuse for not daring to test yourself at work for fear of failure. They can also provide a means of redressing imbalances in relationships, making your partner notice you, bonding you closer together.

This by no means applies to everyone, but do try to be honest with yourself if you think it may be true for you. When you can admit to those secondary gains which you receive as a by-product from having panic attacks, you are then in a position to start taking positive action to tackle any under lying issues instead of putting yourself through such painful experiences with each panic attack you have.

Deciding to Change

It is often said char we are creatures of habit. Some of us would rather stick with the familiar unpleasantness we know rather than risk a change to the unfamiliar. No matter how comforting that familiarity may appear, if your lifestyle gives you less joy than you need, it will make it harder for you to bring your panic arracks to an end. Practice those affirmations. Realizing you have the power and using it cp build your confidence will help you address those lifestyle elements which could do with a good shake-up.

Deciding to change your lifestyle is your responsibility. In other articles I've talked about learning new problem-solving skills. Now is a good time to put them into action. Define any problem areas in your life, look at possible solutions, draw up a plan of action. Some things cannot be changed, in which case you can change your own attitude towards it, reject the thing in question, or simply accept it. Accepting positively is different from putting up with in resentment, or giving in through weakness. It is a positive action and sometimes the most sensible solution.

Change can also bring stress in its own wake. People who panic are vulnerable to the effects of major change, so do think carefully about any you might now be thinking of making. Although you may have made decisions about changes you want to make, it is also sensible to decide when you want them to take place. Setting the change for some time in the future, rather than immediately, could give you the time to make plans without creating the stress of rushing through. It allows you to become accustomed to wielding your personal power and taking control of your life. You are not in a race, so set your own easy pace and timetable of events. Knowing you are going to make changes to your life could be the motivation you have been looking for to learn how to stop your panic attacks once and for all.

Take the time to plan and find the outside help (perhaps professional) you may need to help you achieve your goals.